Okay, I'll admit that I've been conspicuously silent for a while. Did you miss me? I didn't think so. But here are some interesting, inspirational, informative and, yes, disturbing stories from the world from Bankruptcy, and beyond ... Downturn in Corporate defaults The next wave of Debtors -- Mom and Dad (Senior Citizens) "Legitimate" debt-management companies -- an oxy-moron? Rockford collection agency pays $300,000 to FTC A good recap of the ABA 2004 Technology Show by Jeff Beard. Hope you all made it. Sobering but true -- disbarred Bankruptcy lawyer pleads guilty to Bankruptcy fraud (shudder) Shock and awe -- Bankruptcy filings roll on apace despite a continued social stigma. But what do you expect? Record debts lead to record Bankruptcy filings, with a harsh "new" Code on the way. Expect more trouble ahead.